Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
With Eldest dead, and Orion on ice, Elder has now assumed control of Godspeed to only learn that everything is not what it seems. Rather than being behind schedule, the ship has completely stopped and the engine is dying. Since the feeders are no longer on Pydus, they are starting to rebel because, for the first time in their lives, they actually have control over their emotions, senses, and convictions. What they don't realize is that their rebellion could not come at a worse time. For Amy, she is struggling with her feelings for Elder and she wants nothing more that to have her parents re-animated, but Elder won't allow it. Moreover, when she inherits Orion's comlink, he has left clues for her as to why he was murdering the military leaders and why he had to kill Eldest. Not only has Orion returned, these clues are connected with the riots that are breaking out and Elder is losing control of Godspeed. The more clues that Amy and Elder uncover, the more perilous life becomes. Either someone has sabotaged Godspeed or something greater is responsible for mess that could potentially destroy the Eldest system and the lives of everyone aboard the ship. In this sequel, Elder and Amy test every aspect of their new relationship as well as their ability to solve the great mystery that Orion has charged them will either make or break them.

Critical Evaluation:
In this riveting sequel are the early years of Elder's leadership and the madness that ensues. Now that everyone is off of Phydus, Elder discovers the power of the human spirit, especially when it has been repressed against its will. Everyone on Godspeed is feeling for the first time, ever, and its not surprising to see how angry and sad the people are. For example, when Elder and Amy visit Harley's home in the weaver district, Harley's mother is bedridden with a debilitating depression because she didn't know that her only son had died. For a lot of people, the effects of Phydus go beyond anger; many have lost loved ones and there was nothing they could do about it. As for Harley's father, his reaction is the opposite is because he is tired of seeing his wife lay around and not contribute her fair share (he calls her lazy). Although Elder's intentions were noble to get stop the use of Phydus, there is no way he could have prepared himself for the consequences of that decision. Now that everyone is "feeling," they are becoming restless and unruly because they are fully understanding the methodology of the Elder system, which results in rebellion. Readers will learn the result of oppression and they will struggle with the behavior of the people; Elder isn't like Eldest, but they don't want Elder to have any more power over them. Although I agree with the phrase "don't underestimate the power of a big group of stupid people," there is more treachery involved, especially when someone instigates the chaos through murder and deceit. Furthermore, readers are finally being introduced to the reason why Amy, her parents, and their colleagues are aboard the ship. I could not, whatsoever, put this book down because I had to know what Orion saw and who is the source of the unrest. Moreover, when Elder finds out the truth about Godspeed, not only will readers be shocked, the end of the story is a wonderful transition to the final story. I can't wait to get my paws on the last installment.  

Information about the Author:
According to her website, Beth Revis was born in North Carolina who always loved to write: " Despite being a complete over-achiever and teacher’s pet in high school, she often wrote short stories instead of taking notes during classes. This habit persisted into college, except the stories became novels" (para. 5). Revis went onto to North Carolina University and earned her BA in English with a Minor in History and later got her MA in English. Like most of us English majors, she became a teacher and absolutely loved it:

Although Beth had originally begun teaching thinking it would be a nice way to pay the bills before she got a book deal, she discovered that, much to her surprise, she didn’t just like teaching, she loved it. This made it much harder for her to quit when she decided to focus more time on her writing (para. 8).

When she is not writing, she loves to travel and enjoys being with her family, husband, and dog. One of her goals, before she dies, is to make her way to Jerusalem, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Giza.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to A Million Suns:

• Across the Universe by Beth Revis
• Unwind by Neal Schusterman
• The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com:

"Revis has penned a fast-paced, action-packed follow-up with her dystopian, sci-fi thriller, "A Million Suns," that explores not only the nature of authority and loyalty but fear of the unknown and fulfilling one's personal destiny."  -LA Times